MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING THE FULTON STREET BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT IN THE CLINTON HILL AND FORT GREENE SECTIONS OF BROOKLYN

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The sixth bill before me today is
Introductory Number 842, sponsored at the request of the Administration by
Council Members Weprin, Comrie, and James. This bill establishes the
Fulton Street Business Improvement District in the Clinton Hill and Fort Greene
neighborhoods of Brooklyn.

"This new Business Improvement District is
comprised of over 200 commercial businesses including upscale clothing
boutiques, multicultural eateries, laundromats, postal services, hair salons and
hardware stores. The budget for the first year of operation is
$300,000.

"Business Improvement Districts, also known
as 'BIDs,' are voluntarily formed community organizations that promote business
development and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods across the
City. Established by local law, BIDs are self-funded by local property
owners and are overseen by the City's Department of Small Business
Services. BIDs are valuable economic tools that strengthen and stabilize
commercial and industrial areas.

"The Fulton Street BID, the eighteenth
established under our Administration, and the second along Fulton Street, will
provide maintenance and sanitation services, security services, marketing and
promotion of local businesses, holiday lighting, economic development,
beautification and landscaping. The services provided to the community are
essential to ensuring that small businesses, and the neighborhoods in which they
operate, are given every opportunity to succeed.

"I would like to thank Small Business
Services Commissioner Rob Walsh and his staff for their role in establishing
this BID. I also want to acknowledge the important contributions of the
members of the Fulton Street BID Steering Committee and the City Council.